The time has come for the creation of Political Action Committees to break the chain of perpetual incompetence

Dear Editor,

For more than six decades, Guyanese citizens have endured the stench of gross incompetence and disrespect from successive governments, both past and present. Whether it’s the ongoing crisis of unreliable electricity, the lack of transparency in governance, or the unfulfilled promises of development, the people have been let down time and again. The time has come for Political Action Committees (PACs) to rise as the voice of the people—a voice that will no longer be ignored.

Our governments have mastered the art of making lofty promises but failing miserably in execution. Year after year, budget after budget, we hear grand plans to fix the electricity grid, reduce blackouts, and lower energy costs. Yet, the lived reality of ordinary citizens tells a different story—frequent power outages disrupt lives and livelihoods, stifling progress at every turn. This isn’t just a technical issue; it’s a glaring symbol of the failure of governance.

PACs, driven by civic-minded individuals and grassroots organizations, can provide the accountability that both the government and opposition have failed to deliver. While Parliament engages in endless debates, PACs can take direct action to organize communities, advocate for transparency, and hold leaders accountable in real time.

Why are PACs necessary? Because the opposition is stuck in the old playbook of reactive politics, criticizing the government but offering no real solutions. They have failed to mobilize the grassroots or channel public frustration into meaningful change. And the government? It seems more focused on grand projects and international headlines than on addressing the basic needs of its citizens. Both sides are out of touch with the struggles of the everyday Guyanese.

PACs can fill this void. They can educate citizens about their rights and about the government’s repeated failures to address critical issues like electricity, water, and infrastructure. They can organize town halls, protests, and campaigns that keep these issues front and center. PACs can also serve as watchdogs, monitoring government spending and policy implementation to ensure that promises translate into action.

Let’s not forget the power of collective action. A well-organized PAC can unite voices from all sectors of society—urban and rural, young and old, business owners and workers—to demand real change. PACs are not bound by the political gamesmanship of Parliament; they are free to focus solely on the interests of the people.

Sixty years of broken promises is enough. It’s time for Guyana to embrace a new model of civic engagement, one where PACs lead the charge for accountability, transparency, and progress. If our elected leaders won’t step up, then it’s time for the people to create and empower platforms that will.

Sincerely,

Keith Bernard